Ice Packs Might Delay Injury Healing
When someone suffers a traumatic injury, ice packs almost seem like a given. On the other hand, new research is coming out that shows ice packs might actually do more harm than good. Those who sprained an ankle growing up often heard about RICE therapy. This stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Many parents store ice packs in the freezer and are ready to pull them out whenever someone falls down, twists an ankle, or bumps their head. This therapy often gets passed down from parent to child and has become a readily accepted treatment across the country.
On the other hand, the thinking throughout the medical community might be changing. Some medical experts are mystified by how this therapy became so common. Others are concerned that this therapy might do serious harm. Because of how common “ice pack therapy” is, it is important for everyone to take note of what the medical community is saying.
The Theory Behind Ice Packs
The theory behind ice packs makes sense. Perhaps this is the reason why this treatment has become so common. For decades, RICE therapy has been the accepted standard for treating soft-tissue injuries. This includes bruises, ankle sprains, hamstring pulls, and more. The idea behind ice packs is that the cold temperature will reduce inflammation around the injury location. In the minds of many, inflammation is viewed as the enemy and might actually cause more damage if it progresses unchecked. Furthermore, compression and elevation will move fluid away from the joint, further reducing inflammation. Unfortunately, the research behind this treatment is far from solid.
The Studies Behind RICE Therapy
Decades earlier, scientists started to conduct studies to see if RICE therapy, including ice packs, would help people recover more quickly. A study performed all the way back in 1989 showed that ice pack therapy did not help people recover faster. Another study performed in 2012 also did not show any evidence that RICE therapy helped injuries heal. Even the person who came up with RICE therapy, Dr. Gabe Mirkin, has said that the evidence shows ice packs do not help. Finally, the inflammation is present because it is part of the body’s natural healing process. It has a role.
The Role of Inflammation
When someone suffers an injury, the body’s natural response is to treat the problem. This is inflammation. If someone sprains an ankle, the body is going to ramp up the immune system to try and heal the damaged location. When the immune system rushes to the area, the extra fluid and cells are going to cause some inflammation and swelling. While the goal of ice is to reduce this inflammation, it is important for healing.
The immune system should be viewed as the leader of the healing process. While the immune system also fights off deadly bacteria and viruses, the new cells and blood supply also play a role in injury healing. While too much inflammation can be bad, it is also important to let the body do its job.
The concern in the medical community today is that ice packs might actually slow the healing process. If the immune system is not allowed to do its job, people might actually take longer to recover. Cold and ice function well as analgesics (which reduce pain); however, inflammation and the immune system also need to be allowed to do their job. Those who use ice to treat pain following an injury should listen to the advice of the medical community and do so sparingly.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer. Those who suffer a serious injury need to use ice packs with caution. If you have had trouble recovering from an injury due to the negligence of another person or entity, please contact me at (800) 404-5400 and/or (916) 921-6400 to receive free, friendly legal guidance and advice.
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